LEES SUMMIT, Mo., June 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Pendo, a nationwide appraisal management company, announced that company co-founder Jeff Sandman has been named one of HousingWire magazine's "Rising Stars" for 2017.

Jeff Sandman

For the fourth consecutive year, the HousingWire Rising Star program has recognized some of the housing industry's best young leaders, as chosen by the HousingWire editorial staff based on the candidate's tangible accomplishments in the last 12 months. This year, there were 40 winners representing every sector of the housing economy, including residential mortgage lending, servicing, investing and real estate, as well as those in advocacy positions, like nonprofits and governmental agencies.

The winners demonstrate leadership and innovation that not only inspires those within their own companies, but also in their communities and in the industry at large. Each winner is 40 years of age or younger.

"The Rising Stars are somewhat smaller this year as we increased the level of applicant scrutiny. While many great people were nominated, we continue to only select the true Rising Stars — those who greatly impact not just their worlds but the mortgage world as well," said Jacob Gaffney, editor-in-chief of HousingWire. "This award just keeps getting better and better with each passing year, and we encourage those who didn't make the cut to keep trying. That is, after all, a true hallmark of a HousingWire Rising Star."

Sandman, who co-founded Pendo in 2009, was recognized for creating policies that not only assure the company's continued elevated service standards for clients, vendors and employees alike, but also establish a template that could elevate the standard of service in the appraisal segment.

Sandman, in conjunction with business partner Mike Peck, masterminded Pendo's higher employee pay structures and hierarchies, which he credits to attracting and retaining high-quality talent for client-facing roles — positions that are traditionally plagued with performance issues and high turnover. He also established the company's round-the-clock accessibility and rapid response times, which have not only reduced delays, but also boosted the company's service-focus image among clients, partners and vendors.

"We are excited to recognize these young leaders, who have accomplished so much in their short careers," said Sarah Wheeler, HousingWire Magazine Editor. "Our Rising Stars are the luminaries shaping the housing industry into a more agile, efficient and profitable model, expanding the opportunity for homeownership to borrowers across a wide spectrum.

"Our Rising Stars are always smart and talented, but one of the things that characterized our winners this year was the sheer scope of what they accomplished for their companies. They drove impressive results, whether they were measured by growth, profit or innovation."